Philosophy (φιλοσοφία)

Philosophy can be traced back to the Greek word φιλοσοφία (philosophia), which is derived from the Greek words “philos” (fondness) and “sophia” (wisdom). Philosophy is the fondness of wisdom through the rational, systematic, and abstract consideration of reality as a fundamental measurement of human existence. Because philosophy is based upon the traditions of men and the elementary principles of the world system, and not according to the Christ, the wisdom it seeks is also that of the world—a wisdom that is, by its very nature, foolishness to God (1 Corinthians 1:20).

As Christians, we are to beware of those who seek to gain control over us through philosophy and vain deceit (Colossians 2:8). Just as the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of Athens rejected the truth of the resurrected Christ, philosophers continue to do so today because they do not seek the wisdom of God (Acts 17:18-32). Those who profess themselves to be wise, while rejecting the clear evidence of the Creator through their lack of appreciation for what He provides, become foolish in their darkened hearts. They change the image of the incorruptible God to an image of corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things (Romans 1:21-24). These are the “so-called” wise religious men of this world who follow the traditions of men while ignoring the truth. They teach the elementary principles of the world as a means for righteousness and peace: “touch not, taste not, handle not”. These are practices that have an appearance of wisdom in self-made religions, humility, and neglect of the body that have no value in controlling the indulgences of the flesh (Colossians 2:23). If anyone thinks himself to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God, and those who think they are wise in this age are caught in their own craftiness (1 Corinthians 3:18).

There is true wisdom that comes from God (James 1:5), and we are to walk in this wisdom towards those who are outside the Church, redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5). The wisdom of this world, which is demonic in nature, is earthly and fleshly focused; however, the wisdom from above is pure (unmixed), peaceable, gentle, yielding, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality or hypocrisy (James 3:17-18). As sons of God, we are to train our senses to discern the difference between what is proper—what is appropriate and good in appearance—and what lacks in character—wrong actions that are contrary to who we are in Christ—so that we are wise with the knowledge we have in Christ (Hebrews 5:14). Therefore, let us speak the wisdom from God that has now been revealed to us—not with words from man’s wisdom, but that which is from the Holy Spirit, comparing Spiritual words with Spiritual concepts (1 Corinthians 2:13). For one who is focused on feelings (soulish) and philosophy is unable to understand the things of God, for they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14); thus, he makes himself a fool.